Buttle's World

Bad Science Journalism

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and the Myth of the Oppressed Underdog.

Beware the underdog narrative in science journalism. This narrative severely misrepresents how science really works. It’s designed to elicit our sympathy for a not-yet-established theory, maybe one that is socially attractive, and to arouse our indignation against the staid community of eggheaded scientists. This underdog narrative plays on our emotions, it makes for a good read, and helps us feel good about ourselves when we stand up for our convictions.

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